[a][3] The name appears to reference a period in Saxon times when the area formed part of the Danelaw which covered much of what is now eastern England, although the duration and extent of Danish occupation in this area is unclear and continues to be debated by historians.

[4] From the seventeenth century onwards, hundreds gradually declined in importance as administrative divisions, with their functions passing to other bodies such as the county courts.

[7] The district was granted borough status in 1984, allowing the chair of the council to take the title of mayor.

The amalgamation of the former local authorities was symbolised in the seven oak leaves which surround a Tudor rose on the Dacorum coat of arms, issued in 1992.

On 16 January 2017 the council opened its new headquarters at The Forum, on the corner of Marlowes and Combe Street, immediately south of the Civic Centre, which was demolished shortly afterwards.

The civil parishes are:[19] In terms of television, Dacorum is served by BBC London and ITV London with television signals received from the Crystal Palace transmitter [21] and the Hemel Hempstead relay transmitter.

[24] Radio stations for the area are: Local newspapers are Hemel Hempstead Gazette and St Albans Observer.